Intangible Folk Cultural Properties Requiring Documentation of Nagasaki

Ōmondē is a Nationally Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property performed on the remote volcanic island of Saganoshima in Gotō City, Nagasaki Prefecture. This ancient nenbutsu memorial dance, held every August 14 during Obon, captivates with its exotic southern-style costumes, haunting yodel-like chanting, and mysterious incantations derived from Buddhist scriptures. Discover this rare window into Japan's deep spiritual and folk heritage.

Discover Kuromaru Odori, a 500-year-old folk dance from Omura, Nagasaki featuring massive 5-meter flower wheels. A nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, performed every November 28th at Hoyodo Hall.

A vivid autumn ritual held in Daihogo on Fukue Island in the Goto Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture. Straw-cloaked youths called Sandora chase spectators and throw beach sand at houses to drive away epidemics and pray for abundant harvests and good health. Designated a Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 1979 and a Nagasaki Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1982, it preserves an archaic stratum of Japanese folk culture.

Ja-odori (Dragon Dance) is a spectacular folk performing art designated as a Nagasaki Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property, performed during the Nagasaki Kunchi festival at Suwa Shrine every October. Originating from Chinese dragon dances at the Edo-period Tōjin Yashiki (Chinese Quarter), this 300-year-old tradition features a 20-meter dragon chasing a golden orb, accompanied by the distinctive Tōgaku-byōshi music ensemble representing wind, thunder, and rain.

Witness Takenge, a breathtaking aerial acrobatic ritual performed annually on October 14 and 15 at Wakamiya Inari Shrine in Nagasaki. Two performers in fox masks scale ten-meter bamboo poles without safety lines, executing daring feats to flute, drum, and shamisen accompaniment. Designated a Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 2003, this nearly two-century-old tradition fuses Shinto devotion with acrobatic spectacle. Discover its history, highlights, and visitor information.

Discover the extraordinary customs of Nagasaki's 'Kakure Kirishitan' — Hidden Christians who preserved their faith for over 400 years through centuries of persecution. From the ancient prayers called Oratio to sacred objects and rituals on the martyrdom island of Nakaenoshima, explore a religious tradition unlike any other in the world.

Hirado Kagura is a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property performed at shrines across the former Hirado Domain in Nagasaki Prefecture. Comprising 24 programs of sacred torimono kagura dance, this tradition originated from Iki Island rituals in the 16th century and was refined into its present form during the Edo period. Performed exclusively by hereditary Shinto priests, the full Daidai-Kagura is presented once a year at Kameoka Shrine on October 26.

Hirado no Jangara is a Buddhist invocational dance performed in nine districts of Hirado City, Nagasaki, from August 14 to 18 each year. Dancers in paper-flower-adorned sedge hats move to gongs and waist-drums in a tradition dating back before the Warring States period. It is a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list as part of Furyu-odori.

Hetomato is a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property held every January in the Shimozakiyama district of Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture. This enigmatic festival features a remarkable succession of rituals including dedicatory sumo, battledore, ball-scrambling, tug-of-war, and the spectacular procession of a giant straw sandal. Discover its mysterious origins, cultural significance, and how to experience this one-of-a-kind celebration on the remote Goto Islands.

Nagasaki’s registered properties across designations, with featured heritage and travel notes.

The complete kokuhō catalogue — browse by prefecture, period, and category.

Nationwide jūyō bunkazai — architecture, sculpture, painting, crafts, and documents.